- Gain a framework for understanding the different ways that government policies affect individual/firm decisions and broader economic and societal outcomes;
- Develop the skills and savvy to assess policy analyses;
- Get an inside look into policy making, analysis, and evaluation from academic and public sector economists and other policy experts.
Learn how to use economic analyses to inform policy design and discussion.
Strengthen your understanding of the economics of public policies.
Kent Smetters, PhD, Faculty Director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model (PWBM) and the Boettner Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, serves as the primary instructor for the Wharton Public Policy Certificate Program.
Penn Wharton Budget Model experts, academic experts including University of Pennsylvania faculty, and policy experts will provide in-depth coverage of policy-specific material.
The Certificate Program is offered free of charge.
This online course runs from March 28 - July 11, 2025.
Participants must complete 6 online sessions over the course of 4 months, consisting of 2 required lecture sessions and 4 elective sessions.
Required Sessions -- Real-time attendance is required:-
Course Welcome and Intro to an Economic Approach to Policy Analysis
Friday, March 28, noon-1 pm ET -
How Do Economists Predict the Economic Effects of Policies?
Friday, April 11, noon-1 pm ET
Complete 4 sessions, including at least 3 "Hot Topic" sessions where real time attendance is required. The fourth elective session requirement can be fulfilled with either an additional “Hot Topic” session or by viewing an on-demand recorded session online. “Hot Topic” sessions will occur on select Fridays from noon - 1pm ET.
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Sample of possible elective sessions
- Immigration Policy
- Taxation Policy
- Energy and Environmental Policy
- Interpreting and Using Essential Economic Data
- Economics of Marriage and Family
Participants who complete the Certificate Program requirements will receive an electronic certificate of completion which can be added to their LinkedIn profile.
The deadline to apply is Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Admissions are selective and a preference is given to Congressional staffers and other public policy professionals.
Note: The Wharton Public Policy Certificate Program is in compliance with Senate Ethics guidelines as "training in the interest of the Senate." Certificate Program sessions are in compliance with House Ethics guidelines as an "educational event".